While it is completely natural to cocoon for a while with your new baby, it is also important to get out of the house, connect with other parents and enjoy yourself. Life is nothing like it was before you had an oh, so sweet, and oh, so demanding, little one in tow, yet there are safe environments for fun where you can be within arm's reach of your new bundle of joy.
Certain businesses and groups cater to the needs of parents with infants. Here are five ideas for getting out of the house with baby to enjoy some once-familiar outings. From coffee to movies to exercise, make some time to check out these places with your little one.
The Coveted Cup of Coffee
Catching up with a friend over a cup o' joe is one of those things that can make you feel normal again. Yet the experience quickly loses its zest if your baby is fussing and bothering nearby patrons. A kid-friendly coffee shop is just the ticket. Even though your baby won't get much out of the play spaces yet, at least the customers know there will be kid noise about.
Mosaic in Wallingford (www.mosaiccoffeehouse.org) is one of the best choices. This café houses an enclosed playroom for kids – with comfy couches for adults – ensuring you won't trouble others while tending to your baby. Serendipity in Magnolia (www.serendipityseattle.com) is another good option, with its semi-private play area at the back of the shop and yummy coffee and pastries. As well, Village Bean in Bothell (www.thevillagebeanbothell.com) offers laid-back charm, an eclectic set of toys and plenty of regularly visiting families.
Take in a Movie (and Not on DVD)
It's uncanny, but parents do not have to swear off movie theaters for the first few years of their child's life. Every other Friday morning, Kirkland Parkplace Cinema (www.kirklandparkplace.com) opens up six screens for "Baby Day at the Movies." They turn down the sound so parents can watch the latest attractions without blasting their babies with noise. The lights can also be left on by request.
Likewise, Lincoln Square Cinemas in Bellevue (www.lincolnsquarecinemas.com) offers "Mother's Day Thursdays," with three featured attractions kicking off at 10 a.m. They turn down the volume and turn up the lights for extra comfort. Sit in the lap of luxury at this theater with at-your-seat concession service. What more could a parent ask for?
Breathe Deep with Mommy and Me Yoga
Yoga lets you tune into your body, relax and get in shape, all at the same time. These things are even better when you can also bond with your baby. Mom and baby yoga classes are all the rage around here. They focus on exercises that are helpful for new mommas – toning changed bodies, stretching and relaxing tired muscles, and deep breathing.
The Mom & Baby yoga classes put on by 8 Limbs Yoga (www.8limbsyoga.com), with sites in Capitol Hill, Wedgewood and West Seattle, address the aches, pains and energy challenges of the postpartum parent (dads are welcome, too). Each class includes time for support and a teacher who will cater to the needs and physical level of the group. There is no need to register, just show up with your baby and a blanket.
Some other good options: Yoga Momma in Phinney Ridge (www.yoga-momma.com), Lotus Yoga in Columbia City (www.lotusyoga.biz) and the Seattle Holistic Center in Green Lake (www.seattleholisticcenter.com). In fact, many studios offer parent-baby classes, so check out the one nearest you for a chance to energize and find balance. Namaste!
Join a New Parent Group for Support You Can Count On
It is a relief to know you are not alone in your challenges. And, as many seasoned moms can attest, the friendships you develop in your parent group can help sustain you for years. The biggest network of these groups is PEPS, or Program for Early Parent Support (www.pepsgroup.org). Each meeting in the 12-session program sets aside time for sharing, bonding and learning.
There may be an organized playgroup in your neighborhood as well. Try joining an online community for parents to see if there are regular playgroups going, or start your own with others in the same boat. You can find groups with an online search or through Yahoo (www.groups.yahoo.com), Meetup (www.meetup.com) or Google (www.groups.google.com).
Hospitals are another place to find parent support groups. Check out the class listings at your hospital to see what they have to offer. And we mustn't forget the daddies. Wellspring Family Services (www.family-services.org) offers a six-week support group for new dads and their babies in Bellevue and South Seattle called Father's First Steps.
Kick It in Gear with Other New Parents
It's certainly not easy to exercise right after having a baby, but it feels a little less intimidating with other new moms around. Stroller Strides classes (www.strollerstrides.com), which incorporate both baby and stroller into a strength training and toning workout, are offered throughout the Puget Sound area. Mommy Caravan (www.mommycaravan.com) hosts beginning running classes – with or without your baby – in West Seattle, Green Lake and Woodinville.
If walking is about all you can handle right now, check out the Meetup groups with organized strolls (www.walkers.meetup.com). There are walking moms' groups in Redmond and Kirkland and Seattle pre- and post-natal boot camp get-togethers. Or, round up some neighborhood parents for some fresh air and exercise. Perhaps one of those family-friendly coffee shops will be on your walking route.
Taryn Zier, a freelance writer based in Lake Forest Park and mother of a 5-year-old and 7-year-old, feels as if it was just yesterday that she was a brand new mom.
